Linksys WMP54GX manual Planning Your Wireless Network, Network Topology, Roaming

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Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.

topology: the physical layout of a network.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices communicating directly with each other (peer- to-peer) without the use of an access point.

access point: a device that allows wireless- equipped computers and other devices to communicate with a wired network. Also used to expand the range of a wireless network

infrastructure: a wireless network that is bridged to a wired network via an access point.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they both share the same channel and SSID.

Before you consider enabling roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position. Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless device from one access point's range to another without losing the connection.

ssid: your wireless network's name.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

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Network Topology

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Contents 802 GHz .11g Wireless- G How to Use This User Guide Copyright and TrademarksWord definition Table of Contents Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX Adapter’s LED Adapter’s Connectors for the Antenna CablesWPA2-Personal Needed for Connection Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in This User Guide? Adapter a device that adds network functionality to your PCIntroduction What’s in This User Guide? Network Topology Planning Your Wireless NetworkRoaming Topology the physical layout of a networkNetwork Layout LED Indicator Getting to Know the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRXCable Connectors OverviewSetup Wizard’s Welcome Screen Starting the Setup WizardWindows will begin copying the files onto your PC Installing the AdapterAvailable Wireless Network Screen Setting Up the AdapterWEP Key Needed for Connection Setting Up the Adapter with an Available NetworkWPA-Personal Needed for Connection 12 Available Wireless Network Screen Setting Up the Adapter with Manual Setup14 Wireless Mode Screen WEP 19 Wireless Security WPA2 Personal Screen EAP-TLS Radius 23 Confirm New Settings Screen Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor Using the Wireless Network MonitorWireless Network Status screen Link Information ScreensMore Information Wireless Network Status Screen Wireless Network StatusMore Information Wireless Network Statistics Screen Wireless Network StatisticsSite Information Site SurveyWPA2-Personal Needed for Connection Profiles Screen Profiles12 Create a New Profile Creating a New Profile14 Available Wireless Network Screen 16 WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 20 Network Settings Screen 21 Wireless Mode Screen 24 Wireless Security Screen 27 Wireless Security WPA2 Personal Screen 28 Wireless Security WPA Enterprise Using EAP-TLS Screen Radius 32 Congratulations Screen Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsWireless-G PCI Adapter does not work properly What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is infrastructure mode? What is ad-hoc mode?What is roaming? What is ISM band?What is WEP? What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?What is WPA? What is RADIUS?Figure B-1 Wireless Network Monitor Icon Appendix B Using Windows XP Wireless Zero ConfigurationFigure B-4 Available Wireless Network Figure B-6 Network Connection Wireless Security Appendix C Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix C Wireless Security Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX Appendix D Windows Help Shared ResourcesNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix E Glossary Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SRX Appendix F Specifications Operating Temp Storage TempOperating Humidity Max % Non-Condensing Storage Humidity Limited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix H Regulatory InformationSafety Notices Appendix I Contact Information